My Brakes Work But Not Very Well Even With Brake Controller On High Setting - What Can I Test?

Updated 04/15/2024 | Published 04/13/2024

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Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

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LCD Digital Circuit Tester

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Question:

Hello how should you check if a brake controler is good or bad.My brakes work but not very well even on high setting. All new shoes, magnets and hardware.Thank you. Walt

asked by: Walt

Expert Reply:

Hello there Walt. There may be another underlying issue here, but it is possible to test your brake controller. One way to do this is to test the 7-way on the back of your vehicle and make sure you are getting signal when the brake pedal is pressed. You can also test the wires behind the brake controller itself. You can do this with a tester like part # PTW2992.

I will say that this does not sound like a brake controller issue though. Since you say the brakes are working a little bit, we know you are at least getting signal to the brakes. If the controller were at fault, I would expect to see either no brakes, or intermittent signal. It sounds like the brakes are working all the time, just not providing effective braking.

You replaced your brakes and recently you say? New brakes will need to be properly bedded for them to work as intended. If you did not complete the initial bedding process, this would explain exactly what is going on.

First, I suggest that you check to make sure each brake assembly is properly adjusted. The idea is that you want to turn the adjustment screw until you can turn the hub by hand, but it does not spin freely.

Next, you will need to complete the bedding or "break-in" process. This will involve finding an open area like a parking lot or empty stretch of road. Get up to about 40 mph and then use the manual override on your brake controller to slow the vehicle to a stop. Do not apply the brake pedal and use the manual override only. You will need to repeat this process about 30 or 40 times. The brakes should be hot and should be able to smell it. 350-400 degrees is normal if you were to test with a temperature gun. Completing this process should get you to where the brakes will be properly seated and you get your full braking power.

We have a article that goes over this process in detail, and I have linked it for you below. Feel free to comment below if you have further questions.

expert reply by: Jesse M